Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 1,986?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 19862 x 9933 x 6626 x 331
Negative: -1 x -1986-2 x -993-3 x -662-6 x -331


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 1,986?

Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 1,986, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.

1 1,986
-1 -1,986

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 1,986.

Example:
1 x 1,986 = 1,986
and
-1 x -1,986 = 1,986
Notice both answers equal 1,986

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 1,986 and divide it by 2:

1,986 ÷ 2 = 993

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 993 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 993 1,986
-1 -2 -993 -1,986

Now, we try dividing 1,986 by 3:

1,986 ÷ 3 = 662

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 662 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 3 662 993 1,986
-1 -2 -3 -662 -993 -1,986

Let's try dividing by 4:

1,986 ÷ 4 = 496.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 496.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 3 662 993 1,986
-1 -2 -3 -662 -993 1,986
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

12363316629931,986
-1-2-3-6-331-662-993-1,986

More Examples

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